There are many routes into the production industry. More traditional skills, such as electrics and carpentry, may find work at venues as well as traveling shows. Roles in more specific technical aspects of showtime production ie. audio, lighting, video, rigging, may have to seek out specialized production companies through a source, like the event production directory and move closer to larger cities to be close to companies and venues. Even more specialized skills like makeup artists, laser operators, or performance artists, may have only a few choices of companies that offer the type of work and/or training they seek.
This brings us to our next topic of schooling. The different crafts that make up the workforce of the production industry is indeed unique, so much so, that besides the usual trades that can find work in production, options for traditional paths for success, ie. schooling, trade unions, etc. are somewhat limited for audio, lighting, rigging, video technicians. While there are schools growing more formal programs, like Columbia College Chicago, and Full Sail University; they, like all traditional education, have their pitfalls, ie. cost, staying current, but offer a base foundation of knowledge and experience and well determined individual can use to form a successful career.
The stagehand’s union exists in most major cities and offers training, benefits, competitive wages, and monitored working conditions, plus union backing. Downsides would be, inability to take non-union work, and the implications that has when you are low on the seniority list. Also, the union’s hold on the industry in general seems to be a continuous struggle as the cost of services, technological advance, and the way these factors affect supply and demand of clients, has caused much change in the industry over the past 25 years. Its tough to build a stable support system around an industry that is ever changing. Local unions, Osha, and even equipment manufacturers offer educational and safety training for equipment operation and general safety principles in dealing with topics like electricity and rigging.
There is also the dilemma is how to make the regular ends meet. If you are in a union, or work for a specialized production provider company, you may be working in different places often, whereas if you work at a venue, you will be working at the same place everyday. You could also work on a specific traveling (touring), or stationary show, working with the same performers everyday. Some people may prefer one over the other. Examples of these different types would be: working at a music venue or sporting complex; working for an A/V provider, like a sound, lighting or video company (or one that does it all!); working at a stationary show, like a show on the Vegas strip or Atlantic City or a Disney property(or somewhere worldwide!); working for a touring band or show, or a cruise ship.
You may also work in a variety of these situations a freelancer. This is subcontractor, contract type of position. This basic distinction being you are paid in the eyes of the IRS as a 1099 contractor (basically you were paid in cash with no taxes taken out for you making it your responsibility) instead of W-2 as a regular employee. The former designation, normally pushes many freelancers into forming there own companies. Freelancing can seem more lucrative in the short term, as you receive checks with more taxes taken out, but you must make a decision as to how to deal with paying the taxes out of each check, for paying the taxes on income for each year. The point of becoming a company then, is a way to organize this process and to also track your spending on business related expenses, that can offset the tax owed amount. You also, depending upon the type of business you form, make yourself an employee, simplifying your personal taxes, expanding your capabilities of your newly formed business! For anyone reading this and considering the self-employed route, hire a CPA and an accounting firm to keep track of your book keeping and do your tax filing for you. Also, embrace technology and the power of Quickbooks software, and mileage tracking apps, like Mile IQ.
As with any career, the name of the game is to be as educated on your field as possible and have the foresight and adaptability to antiquated with latest updated products and methodologies to be able to better perform your job functions and to better serve clients. The path to getting where you want to go, isn’t necessarily as important as weighing your options to bring you the best results, be it schooling, joining a union, getting a specialized certificate, etc. Anyone can reach the professional level of any field; always continuing to seek and learn the newest knowledge, is what will define, enhance, advance, and prolong your career.
“All of our posts are put together by the staff at JR Sound Co. a small outfit from Las Vegas, NV. For more on us, visit our website at www.jrsoundcompany.com, cheers! ”
